“I swallowed the whole thing and now it’s inside me,” says the French pianist of his teacher’s words of wisdom. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
The acclaimed Russian pianist explains his passion for Liszt’s Études and why it was important to him to record them all. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
It took Franz Liszt 26 years to produce the final version of his Twelve Studies in Increasing Degree of Difficulty. The earliest version dates from 1826, but the pianist-phenomenon decided that these pieces were not difficult enough. Other pianists could still manage to play them! The most challenging version of the expanded and elaborated studies appeared in 1837, but the final version of 1852 – dedicated to Czerny – brought a reduction in technical obstacles. Stretches of over a tenth were eliminated, for example. While these 12 Etudes and the others in this recital were designed to showcase Liszt’s superhuman technique, Liszt the poet is still in evidence. Additional to the pyrotechnics lie delicate textures, presaging those of Debussy in terms of color if not harmony. These textures require all the subtlety of nuance that the later composer would demand. Recordings have tended to lean towards one or other extreme. Generally, young pianists use the Etudes to show off their pianistic skill: the young Bolet, Cziffra and Ovchinnikov come to mind. Older pianists stress the poetry and musicality, like Arrau and late Bolet, both in their 70s when they recorded these works. Arrau’s Transcendental Etudes have been… Continue reading Get…
Opera Australia's Artistic Director explains why art and music in our modern society are more important than ever.
As Melbourne goes Ring crazy, Limelight celebrates with its annual opera special. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
Shostakovich in the theatre and concert hall, an eight-hour theatrical marathon and a Vietnamese circus are highlights. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
The 19-year pianist will now represent Victoria in the national final of the 2016 Young Virtuoso of the Year Award. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
The lively Sydney venue will host an eclectic line-up in 2017 from classical concerts to an illuminated sound bubble. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
The Dutch brothers are royal favourites and have collaborated with Sir Neville Marriner. Now they’re coming to Australia. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
★★★★☆ Inspiring stories abound in benefit performance by Hoang Pham. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
The Schaubühne’s Richard III and a Floating Palais headline an “every one’s a winner” festival. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
Shuan Hern Lee from Dianella has taken the under 15s first prize in the republic's International Piano Competition.
A timely reminder of the life and work of Frederick Septimus Kelly. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
